Bill W

Sorry, Gary, I had my head up my backside again. I don't know why I keep doing that. I guess it's some kind of a mental block, or just a blockhead.

Ah, Steve's a romantic.

For me, it isn't Christmas until I watch a version of A Christmas Carol. My favorite is the 1951 version entitled "Scrooge", starring Alastair Sim, and my second favorite version of "A Christmas Carol" is George C. Scott's 1984 version, followed by Patrick Stewart's 1999 version. If you want a light-hearted version, I'd go with "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) or Albert Finney's 1970 musical version titled "Scrooge. I also like Tim Allen "The Santa Clause" (1994). If you want a really touching Christmas program, watch "The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek" (1960) starring Art Carney.

The name bromine was derived from the Greek word brōmos (a stink or stench), via the French word brome (a light or thick mist), which was combined with the English suffix ‘ine’ (to indicate it is a chemical element). Today, bromine is primarily obtained by treating brines from wells in Michigan and Arkansas with chlorine. Antoine-Jérôme Balard (1802-1876), a French Chemist, was credited with the discovery of Bromine in 1826. He first noticed it in the residues (bitterns) from the manufacture of sea salt at Montpellier. He liberated the element by passing chlorine through an aqueous solution of the residues, which contained magnesium bromide, but it wasn’t prepared in quantity until 1860. Carl Jacob Löwig (1803-1890), a German chemist, discovered bromine independently of Antoine Jérôme Balard while adding chlorine (Cl) and ether to spring water, which produced a red colored substance. While Löwig investigated this substance, Antoine Balard published his independent discovery of bromine. Bromine is unique because it's the only non-metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature, appearing as a reddish-brown liquid. It evaporates easily to form a red vapor with a strong, chlorine-like odor. Bromine is less reactive than chlorine or fluorine but more reactive than iodine. Occurrence: Found naturally in seawater and the Earth's crust, primarily in the form of bromide compounds. Chemical properties: Bromine exists as a diatomic molecule (Br2). Uses: Historically used as a sedative, today bromine is used in various applications like flame retardants, pesticides, photography (in silver bromide), and water treatment. Health concerns: Due to its irritating fumes, handling pure bromine requires significant safety precautions. · Bromine is the Earth's 44th most common element. · Products with bromine are used in agriculture, sanitation and as fire retardants (chemicals that help prevent things from catching fire). Historically, some bromine-containing products were used as sedatives (drugs that can make people calm or sleepy).

Selenium was discovered jointly in 1817 by Swedish chemists Jöns Jakob Berzelius (1779–1848) and Johan Gottlieb Gahn (1745–1818), as an impurity in sulphuric acid. Tellurium had already been discovered, and named after the Greek word for earth, so Berzelius named selenium using the Ancient Greek word σελήνη (selene), or moon. Selenium has the atomic number of 34 and an atomic mass of 78.96 AMU (atomic mass units). This element is unique in the fact that it has many different forms. As discovered by Berzelius, selenium can be a red powder, often called an amorphous form, meaning without a crystalline shape. Selenium: Selenium exists in a number of allotropic forms. The amorphous forms of selenium do not have specific melting points. ... Fun fact about Selenium: Selenium gets its name from the Greek word “selene”, which means “moon”. Selene was the Greek goddess of the moon. Chemical symbol: Se. Although it is uncommonly found, selenium does exist in relatively pure form, free in nature. Selenium is a nonmetal. Like many nonmetals, it exhibits different colors and structures (allotropes) depending on the conditions. Brazil nuts are high in selenium, even if they are grown in soil that is not rich in the element. A single nut provides enough selenium to meet the daily requirement for a human adult. English electrical engineer Willoughby Smith (1828–1891) discovered that selenium reacts to light (photoelectric effect), leading to its use as a light sensor in the 1870s. Scottish-born American inventor Alexander Graham Bell (1847–1922) made a selenium-based photophone in 1879. The primary use of selenium is to decolorize glass, to color glass red, and to make the pigment China Red. Other uses are in photocells, in laser printers and photocopiers, in steels, and in semiconductors. There are six natural isotopes of selenium. One is radioactive, while the other five are stable. However, the half-life of the unstable isotope is so long that it is essentially stable. Another 23 unstable isotopes have been produced. Some plants require high levels of selenium to survive, so the presence of those plants means the soil is rich in the element. Liquid selenium exhibits extremely high surface tension. Selenium is important to several enzymes, including antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase and the deiodinase enzymes that convert thyroid hormones into other forms. Approximately 2,000 tons of selenium are extracted annually worldwide. Selenium is most commonly produced as a byproduct of copper refining. The element was featured in the films "Ghostbusters" and "Evolution."

The word arsenic was adopted into Greek (using folk etymology) as arsenikon (ἀρσενικόν) – a neuter form of the Greek adjective arsenikos (ἀρσενικός), meaning "male", "virile". Latin-speakers adopted the Greek term as arsenicum, which in French ultimately became arsenic, whence the English word "arsenic" in Late Middle Ages. Arsenic is often referred to as the “king of poisons” and the “poison of kings” because of its potency and the discreetness, by which it could be administered, particularly with the intent of removing members of the ruling class during the Middle Ages (5th–15th C) and Renaissance (15th and 16th C). It was also a popular way to get rid of unwanted relatives or rivals. In 1960, activation analyses at the Harwell Nuclear Research Laboratory of the University of Glascow, London of authenticated hairs of Napoleon Bonaparte taken immediately after his death confirmed Napoleon's chronic arsenic poisoning on the island of St. Helena. In 1984, the EPA determined that pesticides containing arsenic were not safe and two years later banned most inorganic arsenic pesticides. In the 1860s, arsenic was used in embalming fluid. It was eventually replaced with formaldehyde (still the most common today). In addition to formaldehyde, some funeral homes now offer green embalming, which involves using an embalming fluid made from non-toxic chemicals and essential oils. In 19th-century England people considered small doses of arsenic safe and used it for diverse products, from face powder to rat poison. The substance found its way into food, textiles, medicine, and other common goods, so its use in wallpaper was not considered unusual. Arsenic compounds are still used to make special glass, semi-conductors (gallium arsenide), some paints, dyes, metals, soaps, and drugs. Some interesting facts about arsenic: History: Arsenic was known to ancient people and was important in alchemy. The German friar Albertus Magnus is usually credited with discovering the element in 1250. Toxicity: Arsenic is highly toxic, especially in its inorganic form. It can damage multiple organs, including the skin, nervous system, and immune system. Even low doses can be dangerous, as arsenic can cause genetic damage and cancer. Forms: Arsenic has several forms, or allotropes, including metallic gray, yellow, and black. Occurrence: Arsenic is found in the Earth's crust, but is rare in its free form. It's usually found in minerals like arsenopyrite, orpiment, and realgar. Arsenic is also naturally present in groundwater in some countries. Uses: Arsenic compounds were used in early times in bronze to make it harder, as pigments, and in medicines. Today, it's used in metallurgical applications, such as in the manufacture of lead shot. Isotopes: Arsenic has one stable isotope, arsenic-75, and at least 32 radioisotopes. Smell: When heated, arsenic oxidizes and releases a smell similar to garlic. Sublimation: At normal pressure, arsenic sublimes directly into vapor, like carbon dioxide. Liquid arsenic only forms under high pressure.

The name of the chemical element germanium comes from the Latin word Germania, which means "Germany". Clemens Winkler discovered germanium in Germany in 1886. Some interesting facts about germanium: Phase at room temperature: Solid Appearance: Grayish-white hard solid with a metallic luster Group: Group 14 (Carbon Group) Semiconductor: Germanium is a semiconductor with electrical properties between those of a metal and an insulator. It has a diamond cubic crystal structure, which contributes to its semiconducting properties. Uses: Germanium is used in many electronic devices, energy storage, telecommunication, solar panels, Mars rovers, automobile headlights, and LCD screens. Germanium is also used to manufacture rectifiers, transistors and weapons-sighting systems and is used as a fluorescent material. Discovery: In 1869: Demitri Mendeleev predicted the existence of element number 32, which he named eka-silicon, after he noticed a gap between silicon and tin in his periodic table. Germanium was discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler and was named after Germany, where it had been discovered. Toxicity: Germanium is not toxic or poisonous to humans, but it can be toxic for certain bacteria. However, artificial compounds such as germanium tetrachloride and germane can irritate the eyes, skin, lungs, and throat. Origin: Germanium is found in the ores germanite and argyrodite, both of which are very rare. Atomic number: Germanium has 32 protons and 32 electrons. The number of neutrons varies according to the isotope. Germanium has an unusual ability to absorb and emit infrared light, making it ideal for manufacturing infrared detectors and lenses. Night-vision goggles, thermal imaging cameras, and infrared astronomy all use these components.

Yes, I'm sure you couldn't look all throughout history and find examples of where that has happened with disastrous results. That may happen in the form of the child throwing in the towel and killing themselves because their lives aren't their own, or in the other extreme where the child reacts and pulls away from the parents completely and has nothing more to do with them, or even goes to the other extreme where they kill the offending parents. Many other times, the reactions are somewhere in between those extremes. Whatever the end result, it usually isn't good for the child or the parent. 😢

Or Big Chested Marilyn Monroe, for those old enough to remember her. Or Bit Cheesy Marilyn Manson. Big Cheese Mickey Mouse. Bit Crazy Mike Myers. Boy Crazy Minnie Mouse. or to go with your comment: Before Christ Mary Magdalene, or for those who believe in this possibility, Bride of Christ Mary Magdalene.

Man, if I had the name that you suggested, then I'd just go by BCMM. 😜 I'm glad you thought it sounded like a real life situation. You've gotta think about the kids.

Well, folks, it appears that we’re definitely going to go through the entire periodic table, which means the following: On Christmas Eve we’ll be on Ruthenium. 🎅 On Christmas Day we’ll be on Rhodium. 🎅 On New Years Eve we’ll be on Antimony. ❄️ On New Years Day we’ll be on Tellurium. ❄️ That means, unless our fearless leader comes up with isotopes or elements that I’m unaware of, on March 7th we’ll finally get to element 118, Oganesson. Don’t relax, though, because there will probably be an exam on March 8th. 😜 After that, we should be getting back to using the dictionary for the Word of the Day again. 😁 This journey through the Periodic Table is being brought to you by GA’s own Myr the Science Wizard. Don't get upset, @Myr, this was all said in fun.

The French chemist Paul-Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran (1838-1912) discovered gallium in sphalerite (a zinc-sulfide mineral) in 1875 using spectroscopy. He named the element "gallia" after his native land of France (formerly Gaul; in Latin, Gallia). He might have also named it after gallus (cock) as a translation of his own name (Lecoq – the rooster). Interesting facts about gallium: Melting point: Gallium has a low melting point of about 86°F (30°C). It can even remain a liquid at temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C). Expansion: Gallium expands when it freezes, similar to water. Liquid gallium can't be stored in glass or metal containers because it expands by 3.1% when it freezes. Uses: Gallium has many uses, including: Thermometers: Gallium is used in some high-temperature thermometers. Mirrors: Gallium can be used to create mirrors because it wets glass and porcelain. Semiconductors: Gallium is used to dope semiconductors and create solid-state electronics. Computer chips: A liquid gallium-tin alloy could replace water-based computer chip cooling. Medical imaging: Gallium salts are used as radiocontrast materials in medical imaging. Discovery: French chemist Paul-Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran discovered gallium in 1875. He named it "gallia" after his native land of France. Safety: Gallium is considered non-toxic and safe to touch, but it's not consumed by humans, animals, or plants. Structure: Gallium exists in the form of dimers, which are pairs of atoms. It also features covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons.

I have no idea, because unlike certain politicians, I don't go there to eat. 😜

My suggestion was MacCasson (Mac from MacPherson - Cas from McCaskill - and son from MacPherson)

Yes, that's what he's doing. Whether or not he'll be successful is yet to be seen.

I'll keep those suggestions in mind.

Well said, Tony, and I'm glad you pointed that out.

You may be spot on with many of your observations. First, that Bart Sovie is an opportunist and isn't so much trying to revive an old romance (and she probably wasn't drinking this heavily when they were together), but instead has an eye on how much she inherited upon her husband's tragic accident. If Win's mother marries Bart Sovie, she probably isn't in a mental state, due to her alcoholism, to consider a per-nup, which means Sovie would not only get control of her money, but he'd probably also be eligible to claim half if the marriage were to go bad. No matter what happens, it doesn't appear as if any of this will portend anything good for Win.

Yes, Mrs. Randall is what would be referred to as a closeted drunk, meaning the person keeps his drinking at home and doesn't appear in public where others could be critical. However, we don't know what might have motivated her drinking. Is it that she just likes booze or that's she's using it to drown other pains? Either way, her drinking and lack of affection for Win are still the result. Tad's mother might suspect some of this, possibly from comments made from time to time about his wife, but at least she is willing to let Tad hang out with Win, a life jacket that Win desperately needs. Thanks again for your feedback.

Thank you, @Summerabbacat. Even though Win's mother is despicable, somehow those people seem to make it through their miserable lives so they can make others miserable as well. We can only hope that won't be the case here, at least for Win's sake, but you'll have to wait and see how it plays out. I appreciate your feedback.

The name Zinc is derived from the German, 'zinc', which may in turn be derived from the Persian word 'sing', meaning stone. The symbol of Zinc is 'Zn' because it's derived from its Latin name 'Zincum'. Like many other elements, the Latin names are used in their symbols for standardization purposes globally in scientific communications. The Latin name for zinc is Zincum, which means "white thin layer" or "white sediments". There is some evidence that the Greeks knew of the existence of zinc and called it pseudargyras, or “false silver,” but they had no method of producing it in quantity. Here are some interesting facts about zinc: Essential nutrient: The body can't produce or store zinc, so it's an essential nutrient. Immune system: Zinc is important for immune function, white blood cell formation, and more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Wound healing: Zinc is important for effective wound healing. Growth and development: Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Taste and smell: Zinc is important for your sense of taste and smell. Galvanizing: Zinc's primary use is in the galvanizing process, which protects iron and steel from rusting. Zinc oxide: Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral compound that's often used in sunscreen to block UV rays. It's also used in skincare for its soothing properties. Brass: Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper. Diarrhea: Zinc supplementation can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. Carbonic anhydrase: Zinc is an integral part of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is found in high concentrations in red blood cells. Earth's crust: Zinc makes up an estimated 0.004% of the earth's crust. Melting point: Zinc melts at 420°C. You can get enough zinc from zinc-rich foods, like oysters, beef, and beans.

You may be correct about Mac's mom doing something like that in the future, unless Mac comes up with some way to keep that from happening first, and there's a long way yet until the wedding. In Mac's mind, that's how it happened. Robbie didn't want his mom to pick his college for him, and since he was afraid she'd convince his dad not to pay for college if he didn't do what she wanted, he chose to try to get a congressional appointment to West Point instead. That way he wouldn't have to worry about paying for college, but that earned him a commission in the army after he graduated, and that eventually led to his death. Mel, on the other hand, was constantly having difficulty with her mom, since she would push back, rather than giving in. She and her mom were arguing all day long, so Mel chose to head back to campus late of Saturday night, rather than on Sunday, and because she let early, she encountered the driver that caused the accident that killed her. In Mac's mind, he attributed both of their deaths to his mother's constant interference in their lives and attempts to control everything they did. Fair or not, that's the conclusion Mac came to.

Chapter 46 – A Little Tension. After we left the cabin, Devin and I settled into our seats for the trip back to my house. We had barely made it to the end of the lengthy driveway and reached the county road before my mom started asking questions about our wedding. “When you boys get married, are you planning on exchanging rings at the ceremony?” “Mom, we haven’t even graduated from college yet! We’ve got plenty of time to think about those things later. It’s not a decision w

Unfortunately, his buried treasure chest is filled with flies, ants, mosquitos, and a variety of other insects.

I not only remember George Burns, I watched "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" on TV. Gracie Allen was his wife and they were married from 1826-1964 when she died. He didn't die until 1996, at 100, but he never remarried.